99’ Islander 268-Repowering with 350 Mercury VERADO single engine

[Flyingelvis3]

Hello. I’m new to the forum and just bought a 99’ 268 Islander with twin F150 Yamaha’s. Question I have is I’m planning on repowering it with a 350hp Mercury Verado and would like to know what you guys think? I‘ve been on the water my whole life, have been going bigger and bigger with boats as I age and feel as if this will be a nice combo for us as we just started a family. This would be used primarily in the Barnegat Bay not for offshore fishing. Looking forward to your comments. Thanks Drew NJ

 

[Blaugrana]

Welcome! Barnegat Bay boater here as well...

What’s the deal with the current engines? How come you want to switch so quickly? Was the price adjusted for the immediate repower?

I have a 2000 228 and just started heading out of BI. I go back and forth between leaving the engine running while fishing and turning off when in the Ocean. My biggest fear is it not cranking and/ or not working even though it’s been awesome since I got it last year

For me, having two engines would give me a peace of mind over having just one especially since my fishing partner and co-captain is my 6 yr old daughter.

 

[family affair]

Search for member Barclayr on this site and THT. He did exactly this and quickly swapped out the 350 to twin 150's.
I know he had a chronic listing issue likely from the torque of the single 350. A single 350 duo prop Suzuki might perform better, but the jury is still out on reliability.

 

[Toothpick 10]

Search for member Barclayr on this site and THT. He did exactly this and quickly swapped out the 350 to twin 150's.
I know he had a chronic listing issue likely from the torque of the single 350. A single 350 duo prop Suzuki might perform better, but the jury is still out on reliability.

I agree. Try to get in touch with Ryan. He did not have a good experience putting a 350 Verado on that hull. I believe that he likes having twin 150s

 

[family affair]

Ryan's build is on THT for his Islander.
FWIW, I wouldn't go much bigger than 25' with a single especially on a walk around. If you boat where things get the least bit tight, a windy day will turn the front of the boat into a sail that you can't control. One accident and you will wish you had stayed with twins.

 

[efx]

I just repowered a 99, 268 with twin 2017 F150’s. Left overs. I’m working on all new rigging. I went with twins because from what I’ve read that the stepped bracket hull works best with twins. Listing is something I’m not interested in.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I know a guy with a very expensive, huge SeaVee center console with quad verados. All four have had problems in their first and second year.

I second the idea of a Suzuki 350 duoprop if you are set on going to a single.

 

[Ekea]

what is your reason for wanting to go with a single. there are many benefits to having twins